Read on Twitter
8 years ago today was the first and only time I saw @tferriss in person when he gave a talk in St. James Church, Piccadilly, London. In his public life, Tim often gets three kinds of reaction, and I’m going to add a fourth as I reflect on what he’s done for me. [Thread]
![8 years ago today was the first and only time I saw @tferriss in person when he gave a talk in St. James Church, Piccadilly, London. In his public life, Tim often gets three kinds of reaction, and I’m going to add a fourth as I reflect on what he’s done for me. [Thread]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ery2uH3XEAEuqvq.jpg "8 years ago today was the first and only time I saw @tferriss in person when he gave a talk in St. James Church, Piccadilly, London. In his public life, Tim often gets three kinds of reaction, and I’m going to add a fourth as I reflect on what he’s done for me. [Thread]")
Type 1: The general public who like (or love) his work
Type 2: The general public who don’t like this work (or hate it)
Type 3: The people who are successful or reputable in their discipline, who might or might not know him, and are a step away from mutual podcast appearances
Type 2: The general public who don’t like this work (or hate it)
Type 3: The people who are successful or reputable in their discipline, who might or might not know him, and are a step away from mutual podcast appearances
I’m going to add a fourth: General public who have had some interaction online with Tim, know first hand that he’s genuine and helpful, have benefited from his work, and are still under the vain illusion that one day they might fall into category 3. So, what has Tim given me?
I’ve bought and read all his books, of course, several times. I’ve tried many of the things he’s tried, and found many jumping off points from his findings, often through the people he’s had on his podcast, that have had a beneficial effect on me and on my career.
I’ve gifted his books often. He was kind enough to send me an advance copy of Four Hour Body (which I bought later on Kindle anyway) and DM me with helpful variations for Type 1 diabetes, but as Tim repeats often, he doesn’t play Dr. On the Internet. Still helpful advice though.
Unlike many others, Tim doesn’t seem to have a wide range of very expensive auxiliary offerings. His skill is as an author, an interviewer and as a human guinea pig who can translate his experiences into an understandable and relatable form. He’s a good writer, and that’s hard.
I’m very sensitive to snake oil. After a long career in video games filled with every conceivable low and high, I just don’t like it when people try and sell shortcuts to success, while charging you handsomely for it. I’ve spent less than £150 on Tim’s products. ROI? 1000x maybe?
This is not meant to be a character reference. It should be obvious that I don’t know Tim personally, but as someone who has contributed to the shape of my life, to its substance, to its highs (and lows, though that was part of the process!) I have nothing but respect for him.
One day, I hope to have made a meaningful enough impact in my field to be able to contribute to a show with Tim that would benefit his audience, but it’s unlikely, as the bar is so high. It doesn’t matter. My life is still better, measurably, through the work Tim has created.
Thanks Tim, not just from me, but from my family, and from friends and colleagues who I’ve passed your lessons on to from the beginning. You’re brave, in my experience you’re decent, and you spread growth widely. Keep going!
